Lip Lift (LLT)
Lip Lift (LLT): Procedure, Types, and Clinical Overview
Overview
A lip lift (LLT) is a surgical procedure designed to elevate the upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and the lip (philtrum). This creates a fuller, more youthful lip appearance and enhances the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling. The procedure can be used to counter age-related lip elongation and volume loss and improve lip contour and definition.
Procedure Steps
Incision and Skin Removal
- An incision is typically made along the base or underside of the nose, following natural creases or hidden areas to minimize visible scarring.
- A strip of skin is excised to shorten the philtrum and allow the lip to be lifted upward.
Lifting and Suturing
- The lip tissue is lifted and sutured into a new position, creating improved projection and exposure of the vermilion (red portion of the lip).
- Careful alignment and tension adjustment ensure symmetric, natural results.
Types of Lip Lifts
- Subnasal Bullhorn Lip Lift:
Involves a curved incision below the nostrils resembling a bull’s horn, allowing elevation of the central and lateral lip areas. It is the most common and effective for shortening the upper lip. - Central Lip Lift:
Focuses on lifting the central portion of the upper lip with a small incision at the base of the nose. It shortens the philtrum but does not lift the lip corners as effectively as the bullhorn lift.
- Direct (Gullwing) Lip Lift:
Involves an incision along the vermilion border of the upper lip to increase vermilion show and lip definition. May result in more visible scars, so it is less commonly used.
- Italian Lip Lift:
Uses small incisions at each nostril base, offering a subtler lift mostly of the side portions of the lip. It is less disruptive but provides limited central lift. - Corner Lip Lift:
Targets upturning and elevating the lip corners to improve the smile and diminish downturned mouth edges, often combined with other lip lifts.
Clinical and Recovery Considerations
- Most patients undergo lip lift surgery under local anesthesia and return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
- Swelling, bruising, and numbness around the surgical site are common but transient.
- Scar visibility is minimized by incision placement in natural creases or mucosal areas.
- Optimal results depend on careful preoperative planning, precise incision design respecting natural anatomy, and patient-specific considerations.
Summary
Lip lift surgery is a versatile and effective approach for upper lip rejuvenation, providing lasting improvements in lip height, lip vermilion exposure, and overall facial aesthetics. Multiple techniques allow customization according to individual facial anatomy and desired outcomes.
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
For personalized lip lift planning and surgical execution, consult board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in facial aesthetics and lip rejuvenation.
References
- Saxon MD. What Are The Different Types Of Lip Lifts? 2025.saxonmd
- DrPanossian.com. Types of Lip Lift Surgeries. 2025.drpanossian
- American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Lip Lift Techniques. 2025.ambrdfcs
- Cleveland Clinic. Lip Lift: Types, Surgery, Recovery & Scars. 2025.clevelandclinic
- Westlake Dermatology. Different Types Of Lip Lift Surgery Techniques. 2021.westlakedermatology
- PMC. Different Techniques in Upper Lip Lift. 2023.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
